March 19, 2007
George
Stephanopoulos, Chief Washington Correspondent for ABC News,
the Rev. Robert G. Stephanopoulos, Ph.D., Dean of the Archdiocesan
Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, and Dr. Norman C. Francis, President
of Xavier University of Louisiana, will be honored at St. John’s
University’s 137th Annual Commencement Exercises held on the Great
Lawn in Queens, N.Y. on Sunday, May 13, 2007.
The Queens Commencement
Exercises will start with the procession of graduates; faculty
and honored guests at 12:30 p.m. followed immediately by the formal
ceremony at 1:30 p.m.
Rev. Donald
J. Harrington, C.M., President of St. John’s University will
preside over the Commencement Exercises and confer honorary degrees
to all three individuals.
George Stephanopoulos, who will share the stage with his father
Robert, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree and give the
commencement address to the St. John’s community. His rise to
stardom in the political arena began with his service in President
Bill Clinton’s presidential administration before leaving to begin
a successful broadcasting career. He currently serves as Chief
Washington Correspondent for ABC News and anchors ABC-TV’s Sunday
morning program, “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” which has
received worldwide acclaim for its politically-themed content.
Rev. Stephanopoulos, an adjunct professor of theology at St.
John’s for more than 20 years, will receive an Honorary Doctor of
Sacred Theology degree for his commitment and service to the
University. As a priest of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of
America for 48 years, Rev. Stephanopoulos has been Dean of the
Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity since 1982.
A renowned ecumenist, theologian, lecturer and pastor, he currently
teaches Eastern Christian Thought at St. John’s University.
Dr. Francis, President of Xavier University of Louisiana, will
receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree for his exemplary work in
higher education and his tireless efforts to aid in the rebuilding
process of New Orleans after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina.
Among his many honors, Dr. Francis recently received the 2006
Presidential Medal of Freedom award (the nation's highest honor for
any civilian) presented to him by President George W. Bush at a
White House Ceremony in Washington, D.C. this past December.
For more information contact Dominic Scianna, Director of Media
Relations at St. John’s University by calling (718) 990-6185 or
e-mail requests to sciannad@stjohns.edu. Media
representatives requesting credentials for the Queens Commencement
Ceremonies can call Elizabeth Reilly at (718) 990-5789 or e-mail
inquiries to reillye@stjohns.edu.